Mahendra Kapoor is no more

Mahendra Kapoor’s talent was spotted through an all-India singing competition where he received the best singer award from Mohammad Rafi whom he considered his mentor throughout his life. Music director C Ramchandra gave him his first break with Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi in Navrang.

Mahendra Kapoor was best known for his patriotic songs in Manoj Kumar’s movies like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makan and Kranti. His song Mere Desh Ki Dharti in Upkar is still the most popular patriotic song. He also sang some of his best songs for B R Chpora Films including Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabee Ban Jaaye (Gumrah), Tere Pyaar Ka Aasra Chaahta Hoon( Dhool Ka Phool),Neele Gagan Ke Tale(Hamraaz) andSansaar Ki Har Shai Ka (Dhund).

I got the opportunity to meet him when he came to the cultural festival of my college. I was in the protocol team responsible for taking care of his stay in our college during the show. The first thing that strikes you after meeting Mahendra Kapoor is his down to earth attitude. At that time he was still a big name but he never showed that in his behavior. He was extremely cordial and humble with everyone and enjoyed his interaction with young students.

I was fortunate to be present when he was doing the rehearsals for his show and the power and intensity of his voice without the microphone in a closed room was unbelievable. When he sang it felt as if the whole room was reverberating.

His show was a great success and he sang most of his popular songs. When it ended people were still craving for more and on popular demand he even sang a couple of songs after announcement of the end of the program.